Experts are urging UK residents to check if they or a family member are entitled to financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), warning that some may be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year.
This is particularly true for people living with dementia, whose financial needs can be overlooked as attention often focuses on healthcare and social care.
Rebecca Lamb, External Relations Manager at debt support group Money Wellness, highlighted that families frequently struggle in silence, trying to manage both the health and financial impact of dementia (Money Wellness, 2026).
One key benefit for people with dementia is Attendance Allowance, which supports individuals of State Pension age with health conditions that require someone to look after them. This allowance is paid at two rates depending on the level of care needed.
The lower rate, £76.70 per week, applies to those requiring frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or support at night. The higher rate, £114.60 per week, is for those needing help or supervision throughout both day and night, or for individuals a medical professional considers to be approaching the end of life.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and does not cover mobility requirements, ensuring that support is based solely on care needs rather than income or savings (DWP, 2026).
Dementia in the UK and Its Financial Impact
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently around 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK. More than a third of these individuals do not have a formal diagnosis, and the number of people affected is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040.
Dementia can cause memory loss, reduced mental sharpness, mood changes, impaired judgment, and difficulty understanding everyday tasks. As the condition progresses, individuals may struggle to manage bills, recognize financial problems early, or handle paperwork effectively (Alzheimer’s Society, 2026).
Rebecca Lamb explained that families often face the dual challenge of managing a loved one’s health needs while navigating a complex and sometimes confusing support system. Many people only discover what financial help exists once a crisis occurs, highlighting a significant gap in awareness and accessibility.
The Risk of Unclaimed Benefits
Peter Hamilton, Head of Market Engagement at Zurich UK, emphasized that a major barrier for people with cognitive impairment is that many benefits are not automatic. Applications must be submitted either by the individual or their appointed representative, such as someone holding a lasting power of attorney (LPA).
This procedural requirement can prevent people with dementia from receiving support they are entitled to. Research indicates that some individuals with dementia could be missing out on between £1,000 and £5,000 per year in unclaimed benefits (Zurich UK, 2026).
Low awareness of entitlements, complex benefit systems, and cognitive decline combine to create a situation where many families do not access financial support until significant difficulties arise.
Furthermore, the lack of a formal dementia diagnosis, affecting over a third of people with the condition in the UK, can limit access to benefits entirely, leaving households without critical income assistance.
People living with dementia and their families face both medical and financial challenges. Benefits such as Attendance Allowance can provide crucial support, but lack of awareness, cognitive decline, and procedural barriers mean many are missing out.
Families are encouraged to explore all available DWP support, use trusted helplines or advocacy services, and consider appointing an LPA to ensure benefits are claimed. Early engagement can help maximize financial security, alleviate stress, and improve quality of life for those affected by dementia.
